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A significant link between the book of Proverbs and the world of work is presented at the end of the book. Lady Wisdom, whom we met at the beginning (Prov 1:20-33; 8:1-9:12), reappears in a different guise in the last twenty-two verses of the book (Prov 31:10-31), as a woman of flesh and blood, called “the virtuous woman” (KJV). Some translations use the word “wife” instead of “woman,” probably because the passage mentions a husband and children (both “wife” and “woman” are possible translations of the Hebrew term ishshah). Indeed, she finds fulfillment in her family and ensures that “her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land” (Prov 31:23). However, the text focuses on the woman's work as an entrepreneur in the artisan industry with the servants or workers she manages (Prov 31:15).[1] Proverbs 31:10-31 does not only apply to the workplace, but it is carried out in the workplace. Thus, the book of Proverbs is summarized in a poem that praises a woman who wisely manages various businesses, ranging from weaving to winemaking to trading in the marketplace. Translators use different words, such as virtuous (RVR1960), capable (NTV), remarkable (TLA), or exemplary (NVI), to describe this woman's character in Proverbs 31:10. However, these terms fail to capture the element of strength present in the Hebrew term chayil. When applied to a man, this same term is translated as "strength," as in Prov 31:3. In the vast majority of its 246 occurrences in the Old Testament, this word applies to warrior men (e.g., David’s “mighty warriors” in 1 Chronicles 7:2). Translators tend to downplay the element of strength when the word is applied to a woman, as with Ruth, who in English translations is described as “exemplary” (NIV, RVC), “virtuous” (LBLA, RVR), or “good” (TLA). But the word is the same whether it applies to men or women. In describing the woman of Proverbs 31:10–31, its meaning is best understood as strong or courageous, as indicated later in Proverbs 31:17, “She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.” Because of such martial language, Al Wolters argues that the most appropriate translation is “courageous woman.”[2] Therefore, we will refer to the woman of Proverbs 31:10-31 as the “courageous woman,” reflecting both the strength and virtue contained in the Hebrew term chayil. The passage that concludes the book of Proverbs characterizes this strong woman as a wise worker in five sets of practices in her workplace. The significance of this section is twofold. First, it is in the form of an acrostic poem, meaning that its lines begin with the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order, making it memorable. Second, it is positioned at the climax and serves as a summary of the entire book. Thus, the five sets of practices we observe in the courageous woman will provide a framework for exploring the whole book. For some people in the ancient Near East, and even for some today, it might be surprising to present a woman as a model of wise entrepreneurship. Despite the fact that God gave the gift of work to both men and women equally (Gen 1:27-28), women's work has often been denigrated and treated with less dignity than men's. Following the example of Proverbs, we will refer to this wise worker as “she,” understanding that God's wisdom is equally available to men and women. “She” functions in the book as an affirmation of the dignity of all people's work. As always in the book of Proverbs, the path of wisdom flows from the fear of the Lord. After all, the skills and virtues of the courageous woman are described and honored, and the source of her wisdom is revealed. “A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Prov 31:30). See Proverbs 15-31, p. 528. #wordofgod #godspeakstoyoutoday #studyingthebible #readyourbible #biblejournaling #bible #thebible #christianwoman #christianmusic #musicforgod #loveofgod #faith #christianlove #love #healing #god #readingwithdiana #readingwithdianacruz #fyp #lifeinjesus #thebibleaccordingtogod #lifeincontre